Subject: Why does water stay in the ocean but not in an upside down tea cup?

Hi.  I'm sure the answer is on the web somewhere, but haven't been able to find 
it for a week now. (Matthew's mom here, counting the grey hairs.)  We assume it 
has to do with gravity, and possibly centrifugal force.  It would seem easier 
for gravity to hold water in an upside down tea cup than an entire ocean, given 
that the world is round.  I 
know I've heard the answer before, but I'm stumped.  Please excuse my ignorance 
here.  lol  Thanks, Matthew and Jon and Pati

Re: Why does water stay in the ocean but not in an upside down tea cup?